Willie Wilson Launches Fourth Bid for Chicago Mayor

His self-funded, law-and-order campaign joins a crowded field featuring Alexi Giannoulias alongside Susana Mendoza.

Overview

Wilson, who announced Monday in East Garfield Park, contributed $300,000 to his campaign and repeated calls for tougher policing and opposition to COVID-era mandates.
The entry increases a competitive 2027 field that already includes Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, and George Cardenas.
Wilson publicly criticized candidates who run for mayor while seeking reelection to other offices, calling the practice morally wrong in remarks that took aim at dual campaigns.
Ald. Ray Lopez, the only City Council member to back Wilson in 2023, has shifted his support to Susana Mendoza while still calling Wilson a close friend.
Chicago’s nominating petition deadline remains later this year, which will concentrate fundraising, endorsements, and ballot fights in coming weeks as Mayor Brandon Johnson has not yet declared his plans.